USMNT Averts Disaster vs. Jamaica

Among disasters in recent U.S. men's soccer history, not qualifying for the World Cup for the first time since 1986 would be a huge one, but not even making it to the qualifying for the qualifying would have been Hindenberg-level monstrous. So even though the U.S.'s 1–0 win over Jamaica last night might not have necessarily been impressive, it sure was important. Herculez Gomez scored USMNT's lone goal, and the team controlled the match far, far more than it did in Friday night's loss. The U.S. is now tied with Guatemala and Jamaica atop Group A of CONCACAF Third Round qualifying, with two more matches left to go. The first is October 12 at Antigua and Barbuda, and the second is at home against Guatemala in Kansas City on October 16. A win over Antigua and Barbuda would secure a spot, and wins in both would likely win the group; the top two teams advance to the next round. So relax until October. Disaster was avoided, but there's still a chance for it to return.